CHRISTIAN RURAL NETWORK

RHWYDWAITH CRISTIONOGOL GWLEDIG

“YOU HAVE BEDDED ME DOWN IN LUSH MEADOWS. YOU FIND ME QUIET POOLS TO DRINK FROM QUIET WATERS ” - PSALM 23

“EFE A WNA I MI ORWEDD MEWN PRTFEYDD GELLTOG. EFE A’M TRWYS GERLLAW Y DYFROEDD TAWEL.” – SALM 23

SEEKING TO:

PRAY - for the rural community and the Royal Welsh Show

We meet with others throughout Wales to pray at the Show Ground during the year, often jointly with Christian Centre for Rural Wales. During the show we also pray daily for an hour prior to opening our stall.

BE COMMITTED to the proclamation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour particularly in the rural context.

BE CHRIST CENTRED We believe that He ultimately is the answer to the problems of the rural community as will all society.

SHOW HIS LOVE All of us are involved in other ministries that seek to show the love of Christ. We come together in the Royal Welsh Show when offer free hospitality and give the opportunity for people to pause in the midst of so much bustle.

NETWORK We seek to reach out to Christians throughout Wales and beyond encouraging them to work together for the benefit in particular of the rural community and inviting them to take part in the prayer and ministry that takes place in connection with the Royal Welsh Show. In short we are:

“Connected for Life”

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT OUR STAND IN THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW

– in 2012 (hopefully) 23^rd -26^th July

– near top end of B row

Christian Rural Network was originally conceived and set up by Ian Jones and Leicester Christian Fellowship. Christians in Wales with a heart for rural issues initially joined them and supported this work and now continue it from within the Land.

Yr Iaith Yr ydyn ni’n cefnogi yr iaith. I ni mae hi’n pwysig ofnadwy, ond y mae gyda ni eisiau help i’w defnyddio gyda bethau fel y webpage yma.

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OUTREACH AT THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW

During the Foot and Mouth epidemic in 2001 a group of Christians gathered in the Montgomery Pavilion on the day that the Royal Welsh show should have opened. Television cameras broadcast that although the show was cancelled Christians cared enough to pray.

From that gathering a group met to pray each year at this major 4 day event in the life of the nation. Over 240,000 people converge at this central gathering point in Mid Wales from all walks of life. What an opportunity to share Jesus. It is the most prestigious event in the agricultural community, for gaining a rosette here is the highest accolade in Europe equivalent to an Olympic Gold medal.

We connected with a group from All Nations Church in Leicester who run, Christian Rural Network, and together we served giving refreshments from a marquee in one of the aisles. Since 2005 they have handed over full responsibility for the marquee us to in Wales.

We are at the show for 4 days serving free tea, coffee, squash, a friendly smile and prayer. We talk, we listen, we offer prayer, counsel and free booklets. It is very demanding but so rewarding. Now that we are a well established part of the scene there, we are looking to attend other events held at the showground for the agricultural community. The farmers are a forgotten part of our society and need our prayers and help and need to know Jesus.

CHRISTIAN RURAL NETWORK OUTREACH AT THE ROYAL WELSH AGRICULTURAL SHOW 2009

Prior to the actual show a group gathered at the Christian centre to pray and go around the showground asking the Lords blessing on all the witness there by various organisations. Churches Together, Show Jesus Cymru, Christian Rural Network and a new book shop trailer run by Salvation Army and Evangelical Movement of Wales were all there this year. This meant that in most avenues there was a Christian witness.

The main attraction at the show was to be a horse display by a French man Jean Francois Pignon who through his horses was doing a drama on Forgiveness and reconciliation and that by forgiving you are set free.

The encouragement started before we even got into the showground for on the free park and ride bus a member of the public sitting next to one of the team commented about the gentlemen outside the showground with a placard stating “What think ye of Christ?” she exclaimed what was the point and the team member talked about Jesus and that this placard had made her think.

Each morning we had a time of pray and praise and brought prayer requests we had been given by the public before the Lord we also shared on two mornings Holy Communion and prayed for one another.

We offered hospitality and refreshments but most important a listening ear, whether about the show or family situations and needs. We asked could we pray for them and people were amazingly responsive and very positive. We had amazing encounters and God given opportunities to share His Love.

One of the team had made shawls for babies and with the express purpose of blessing the child with provision and God’s love and care. The Lord led her very specifically to the babies that He had chosen.

One team member felt to approach a young couple and boldly asked if she was pregnant. “ She was and apparently only that morning she had told her husband “They were not to worry as God would provide”. We gave her a shawl for the baby and it turns out they were going to Bible College in September. God is so wonderful and knows the needs of His people and how to encourage and help. We are all part of His plan if we just listen and obey the Holy Spirits promptings.

A team member spoke to grandparents with their two grandchildren and in mid conversation about holidaying in Spain explained that her daughter was going for an operation in a couple of days time. We offered prayer, they were so impressed that they brought their daughter to us.

One of the people from the adjoining trade stand brought others in to us to be prayed for. We are certainly encouraged that God is in this and He is moving and we see Him in action amongst people.

All the team members have stories to share of how God led people to our tent so we could share His love and healing with them. We speak and pray with those who do not yet know Him fully and also for those in need and those who just need some help in their walk with the Lord. It is a wonderful experience of seeing God at work in this nation of Wales.

After the show two team members were sharing a meal and two Pilipino who were stall holders came and asked for prayer. They gave them vegetables that were left over and also a tithe from the days takings. They went away blessed.

One comment was that God’ presence was all over the showground and not just in our little place. God was “showing off” His presence and power.

We talked to a grandmother who came into the tent with her grandson with learning disabilities, she did go to church, but she unburdened a lot and we were able to pray for her, and protection over her grandson in his vulnerable situation.  She was appreciative.

Also we prayed with the Rural chaplain for Mid Wales for encouragement and blessing in all he is doing to encourage the farmers and others.

One couple from 'over the border' in England asked if we will see revival, this was an interesting conversation, they were Christians and were delighted to have this talk together.  I offered to pray and bless  them before they went on their way, they too were very grateful. They are looking to the Lord in their lives and for continuing to  learn more about Him.

We did find that all those we spoke to did appreciate us going to speak to them, and we were so blessed to be on the team and making connection with you all.

Roy and Glenys

Our four days at the show were really good fun, and we met some wonderful people. It was by far the largest crowd that we've seen all in one place in Wales. The town of Builth Wells, whose population is less than three thousand, was overrun by 220,000 people who visited the show during the week. The grounds are massive, but even with so many places to be, it was still crowded everywhere.

There was certainly plenty to see and do for entertainment. Several arenas were busy all day with diverse activities, and there were huge livestock displays. There were things to buy from hundreds upon hundreds of stands selling everything under the sun, and eating places on every corner. Several times as I wandered among the throngs of people I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 9:36 "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

And so it is for the vast majority of people here. They are wandering through life with no knowledge of a loving Saviour whose desire is to bring them to Himself and give them eternal life. The busyness of life is like an endless chain of activities and diversions, with its accompanying joys and sorrows. But without the relationship with Jesus Christ as the foundation for their lives, it is all just "vanity and grasping for the wind" as Solomon says in Ecclesiastes.

Among all this hustle and bustle there were four different Christian outreaches to the crowds. We took part in this hospitality tent, where people were welcomed to have a hot drink and just sit down and rest after endless walking throughout the grounds. It was an opportunity to just be friendly to folks and offer easy conversation or a listening ear. There were opportunities to pray for people and share the gospel as led and many seeds were sown. It was also a blessing to share encouragement and comfort with believers came in to chat.

Gladys' easy way with people and boldness to speak what Welsh she knows with people made for many fun encounters. And my "American accent" almost invariably leads to the (loaded) question of "What brings you to Wales?" So there is an open door to talk about Jesus and His workings in this "Land of Revivals." I'm still amazed at how many church-going people know nothing of the mighty move of God here just over one hundred years ago.

Though we did see some beautiful sunny weather, mostly it was raining and wet. Today I had to smile when I heard someone refer to "Welsh liquid sunshine". By the end of the show, things were pretty sloppy. The thousands of cars were parked well outside of town in different farmers' fields and people were bussed in to the showground’s. Here you can appreciate how muddy things got. Nary a problem though as tractors were on hand to tow cars out of (or into) the parking fields!

So glad to be a part of His family on earth, Dick and Gladys.

This was the first time I had joined the prayer team at the Royal Welsh and the ting that struck me most forcibly and has stayed with me was the willingness of people to be prayed with/for.

In fact it wasn’t just a willingness it was often a desire an eagerness.

It was as though each person who entered the tent had a divine appointment with God. Such was the atmosphere that prayer flowed easily. I consider it a privilege to have taken part.

Penny Lindner

TESTIMONIES AT ROYAL WELSH AGRICULTURAL SHOW JULY 2008

The Christian Rural Network motto is “Connected for Life” and a connection for life for Ian, a team member, was in him meeting a lady called Lynne from North Wales. He had a general chat with her for a few minutes before being asked to pray for a minister and his wife who had just entered the tent. He excused himself but felt a little uncomfortable that he had left Lynne alone at the table and he knew had his back to her while chatting and praying. After about 10 mins, he turned around to see that she was still there and rejoined her. She had read the Smiley tract in Welsh and her first comment to him was the prayer on the back of the tract was a beautiful one. He asked whether she had ever prayed that prayer in her life and she replied “Not until now”. She had responded to God in his absence and he was able to explain to her the next steps, prayed with her and gave her a “Pam Iesu” booklet to take away with her. She was in touch with a local minister and Ian trusts that she will get the help to grow in her faith.

A lady from a near by tent was prayed for the previous year. This year she came in at the end of the show to state that she had not drunk any alcohol since and she asked for prayer for herself and family to follow Jesus.

A man came in with a pint of beer bringing all his family. A team member offered prayer to his wife who had a bad back. She refused but her husband asked for prayer to be released from alcoholism.

During the session of team prayer on the last morning Moira brought what Christine Glossop (Chief Deffra vet) had shared: ‘That farmers need to be on their knees’. We went on our knees for the farmers and repented and wept. Lying in front of John Scott was a silver thread which he sensed was symbolic and gave to Moira as a sign.

Chris had sensed that the Lord was asking her to crochet a shawl for a baby. It was a miracle that she crocheted it in an extremely short space of time. Then went to buy ribbon for it and the shop gave her the ribbon. She decided that there was not enough ribbon but sensed the Lord telling her that there would be enough, for this baby would always have provision. At the end of our time at the show a lady came in who was pregnant and was given the shawl with the message that this child would always have enough and that God would always provide.

This work costs in time, effort and finance. We need £1500 just for the hire on the showground and God has always provided. We also hope to pay the entrance fee for the team who help.

If you can help in anyway through prayer, support, help for even a day, or finance, please contact Christian Rural Network (Wales). Rev John Scott tel 01639 720405, email jhs46@aol.com or Barbara Tonkin tel 01874 690325 email r.tonkin@zetnet.co.uk. We are also developing a web-site at www.christianrural.net and would value suggestions as to what we include on this.

Barbara Tonkin - originally published in A.R.M. Magazine